Information Bulletin
08 November 2005
clubgolf comes to Shetland
The development of junior golf in Shetland is all set to tee off as local golfers and Shetland Islands Council commit to deliver clubgolf – the Scottish National Junior Golf Strategy, which aims to introduce 50,000 children in Scotland to the game every year from 2009.
Two clubgolf representatives were in Shetland on Wednesday and Thursday last week to discuss the introduction and delivery of clubgolf programmes in Shetland over the next three years. Alan McMillan, Junior Golf Manager with sportscotland and Ann Lang, clubgolf Regional Manager met with members of Shetland Golf Club, officers of Shetland Islands Council and local PGA professional, Greg Abel.
As Scotland's national junior golf strategy, clubgolf is backed by Scotland's most famous golfers, Paul Lawrie, Sandy Lyle, Colin Montgomerie, and Scotland's First Minister, Jack McConnell, MSP. It aims to provide new opportunities in the game for every child in the country and to increase participation in the sport by adopting a totally new approach to the development of junior golf.
A partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association, the Professional Golfers' Association, sportscotland, and the Golf Foundation, clubgolf was created as a direct result of the Scottish Executive's successful bid to host the 2009 Ryder Cup in Scotland.
So far 114 clubs across Scotland are playing a vital role in the clubgolf strategy. Following the six-week firstclubgolf course, played in schools with colourful modified clubs and velcro targets, children will have the opportunity to progress to the second stage of clubgolf’s Player Pathway, Stage 1. Hosted by local clubs, Stage 1 is a 23-hour course, covering the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette, taught by the club’s fully trained volunteer coaches. After Stage 1 there are a further four levels on the Player Development Pathway.
The next stage of the development of junior golf in Shetland will be to arrange for local golfers to attend clubgolf’s two-day PGA clubgolf Level 1 Training for Volunteers Course early in 2006. This will equip them to provide instruction to youngsters interested in beginning the Stage 1 course.
Key to the success of clubgolf in Shetland will be a close working partnership between club members and local PGA Professional Greg Abel, as well as full use of local facilities suitable for junior golfers, including those of Shetland Golf Club, Whalsay Golf Club and the Knab golf course. The Council’s Active Schools team are also seen as an important link to introduce golf to schoolchildren across the isles.
Commenting on the potential for clubgolf development in Shetland, Alan McMillan stated – “The facilities in Shetland are an excellent starting point to deliver the clubgolf programmes. By creating links between local schools, golf clubs and the PGA professional, young people in Shetland will have a pathway into golf that could see them not only enjoying a sport for life, but even achieving success at the highest level, including the NatWest Island Games.”
More information on the clubgolf programme across Scotland can be found online at:
www.clubgolfscotland-youth.co.uk
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